KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesian rising star, Syabda Perkasa Belawa, who won the Malaysia International Series last year, died in a car accident in Central Java early yesterday. His mother was also killed in the tragedy.
According to Indonesian media, the 21-year-old Syabda, who was a member of Indonesia's backup squad, was travelling with his family when their car hit the rear of a truck on a road in Pemalang at around 3.40am.
Syabda and his mother, Anik Sulisyowati, 48, died on the spot while his father, Muanis Hadi Sutamti, who was driving the sedan, was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Syabda's two sisters, Diana Sakti Anistyawati and Tahta Bathari Cahyaloka, sustained minor injuries.
Syabda was touted as one of Indonesia's future stars. In the Iran International, he defeated Malaysia's Justin Hoh 18-21, 21-12, 22-20 to reach a career-best No 90 in the world rankings. He also beat Justin in the last 16 en route to winning the Malaysia International Series four months ago.
Syabda will be remembered for being part of the Indonesian team that emerged runners-up to India in last year's Thomas Cup Finals in Bangkok.
